Historically, Indiana University Bloomington was known for their prestigious basketball program, tying for the fourth most championships of all time. As of recently, this narrative changed quite drastically. Under leaders like head coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the program built quite a new name for themselves.

This past season, Indiana Football went from one of the most losing teams of all time to the 2026 National Champions with an undefeated season and a Heisman winning star quarterback. But how did this dramatic change happen?

Throughout the 2025-2026 season, critics ripped apart the team and their schedule, calling them a fluke. As the season began, they were picked to finish 6th in the Big 10 preseason media poll. Many attribute the massive changes in the program’s success to the almost infamous 2nd year head coach, Curt Cignetti. 

Curt Cignetti gradually built his reputation off of chilling one liners, his mean stare-down, and his ability to win games. Cignetti banked himself on his players and his star quarterback to deliver the clutch, a team of players that were all ranked below 5 stars when joining the team. Furthermore, Curt drilled in a never before seen rigorous style of coaching on his Indiana football team. He brought a strict process/results driven culture to the team, utilizing the transfer portal to his advantage to acquire players with real experience. The Hoosier football team was whipped into a competitive and disciplined team with a new focus on detail and development. 

But what do these accomplishments mean for Indiana Football? For fans, they mean the world, long time fans can be quoted reminiscing on the times when wins were worth their weight in gold. Hingham student and avid Indiana football fan Forrest Houle mentioned that “He had never would have expected to even see more than a playoff game out of this team, let alone a National Championship.” 

But the road to this win brings out many firsts for the program. In 2022, Indiana football became the first D1 team to have 700 all time losses, and in 2026 they became the first team to win the national championship undefeated as 16-0 since Yale in 1894. Additionally, this season brought the program its very first Heisman trophy, first bowl win since 1991, first win at Penn State, first Big Ten Championship, and many more countless milestones.

But what does this mean for the future of the program? After a historical season, the Cinderella team still yearns to prove themselves as more than a one hit wonder. This season changes the trajectory of Indiana football for the foreseeable future, as already 13 transfers have confirmed commitments to Indiana since mid January with only more to come before the beginning of the 2026-2027 season. Hingham student and College Football fan Cole Snowden mentioned that “Despite not being a huge Indiana fan it felt good to see them beat Miami in the Championship, and it is very exciting to see how they will continue to develop in following seasons.”

History has been made and national champions have become icons of the American dream. It is safe to say that Indiana is far from being finished and Curt Cignetti is a force to be reckoned with. Indiana Football has risen from the bottom to the top and is ready to show they are willing to do whatever it takes to stay there.